UP sports minister demands Rs 50 lakh dowry

Lucknow, Feb 2: Uttar Pradesh sports minister, Ayodhya Prasad Pal, is now facing an enquiry over allegations that he demanded Rs 50 lakh as dowry for his son's marriage.

Om Dutt was engaged to the daughter of a doctor in Chitrakoot in Oct 2008. But after the engagement the minister's family started backing out.

Dr Prabal Pratap, who daughter was engaged to Dutt, said, "After the engagement, I asked them to fix the date of marriage. In Dec 2009, the minister asked me to arrange Rs 50 lakh as dowry."

Dr Pratap said he tried to settle the matter amicably by involving some common friends, but the minister fixed his son's marriage elsewhere.

"Now, I don't want to get my daughter married off in such a greedy family. But, they should be taught a lesson," he added.

Chitrakoot SP Aparna H S said, "Circle Officer Udai Shankar was is handling the inquiry. He called complainant Pal and recorded his statement. Now, the CO would verify the allegations and question the minister and his son in Fatehpur."